The Optomap Makes an Appearance on Dr Oz

In 1990, a 5 year-old boy named Leif went blind in one eye because a retinal detachment was detected too late for treatment. He had eye exams yearly but conventional testing was uncomfortable. His father designed the Optomap in order to make retinal examinations more comfortable and accurate.  Recently, Dr Oz featured the Optomap on his show.

 At West Georgia Eye Care, we pride ourselves on being able to properly evaluate your eyes with the latest technology available in order to ensure your eyes are healthy and free of disease.  A thorough screening of the retina is critical to verify that your eye is healthy.  Dilation is the conventional method of examining the retina and is still very useful.  With dilation, only 10-15% of the retina can be viewed at one time.  In addition, dilation leaves you with light sensitivity and blurred near vision for several hours. The Optomap, on the other hand, is able to capture 80% of the retina in one image.  It is quick, painless, and typically does not require dilation drops. 

The Optomap is the preferred method of viewing the retina at WGEC.   In one snapshot we are able to view the optic nerve, macula, and blood vessels of the back of the eye.  The retina is the only place in the body where blood vessels can be viewed directly.  So in addition to eye diseases, signs of other diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease can be detected by viewing the retina.  Request an appointment today for your complete eye health examination.

Why Can’t I Keep My Glasses Clean?

Have you ever wondered why your glasses are so hard to keep clean, or why your lenses keep getting fine scratches on them? It could be the way that they are being cleaned.

We recommend specific methods to care for your eyewear. First, when cleaning your lenses you should only use recommended spray solutions given to you by your eye care professional. We use a spray that can be used directly on the lenses and cleaned off with a soft cloth. The soft cloth that comes in the case with your eyewear can also be used alone to wipe off the occasional smudge or fingerprint.

If you do not have access to your cleaning cloth and spray cleaner, a special mixture of soap and water can be used to rinse your glasses clean while you are at home or on the go. Just make sure that the soap that you are using does not have a moisturizer in it. It will not harm your lenses, but it will leave a greasy film that will be hard to remove. Also, stay away from abrasive materials when wiping your lenses clean or drying them. Something soft like a cloth diaper is best to use when there is no cleaning cloth.

Lastly, consider the environment that you are in most of the time. If you are working in a dusty environment, you should keep your cleaning cloth away from the dust that can attach to your cleaning cloth and cause fine scratches on your lens. If you don’t have to wear your glasses all the time, remember that the best protection for them is in their case.

For more information on eyewear maintenance, or for a demonstration please stop by our office or watch our youtube video on proper cleaning methods.

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month

Diabetes is becoming more and more prevalent in our country.  Today, 21 million Americans have Diabetes and it is estimated that one third of this population do not even know they have the condition.  During the month of November, West Georgia Eye Care is proud to spotlight the importance of frequent eye exams for individuals with Diabetes and those at risk for this disease.      

Dilated eye exams at appropriate intervals are extremely important for individuals with Diabetes and those at risk for this disease due to the possibility of substantial vision loss with long term uncontrolled Diabetic eye disease.  In these cases of advanced diabetic retinopathy, an individual may have irreversible vision loss or even total blindness as a result.

To avoid these complications to your eyes make sure to include your eye doctor in your team of healthcare professionals and to visit us regularly just as you would with your primary care physician and dentist.  As your eye care team we can often be your first line of detection for diabetes due to the findings of your annual dilated eye exam.

At West Georgia Eye Care we are helping to contribute to a healthier patient population by meeting three specific objectives set by the American Optometric Association and their National Diabetes Month Campaign.  These three vision objectives of the Healthy People 2010 campaign are: to increase the proportion of persons who have a dilated eye examination at appropriate intervals, reduce visual impairment due to diabetic retinopathy, and to increase vision rehabilitation.  
Please call 770-834-0212 or visit www.westgaeyecare.com  to schedule an appointment  for your comprehensive eye exam.